Brake



April 8, 1941. L. BR ISSON 2,237,650

BRAKE Filed May 1, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 WEHTOR LOUiS mason Wmmmm.

ATYMHFY April 8, 1941. 1 BRISSON 2,237,650

BRAKE 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 1, 1959 \VENTOR LOWS BR\SSON 5Y-9Mm MM;

imonams April 8, 1941. BRI'SSON 2.237.650

BRAKE Filed May 1, 19559 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 LOWS R\ OH ATTORNEYS April 1941- L. BRISSON 2.237.650

BRAKE Filed May 1, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Lows smsson April 8, 1941. 1 BRISSQN 2,237,650

BRAKE Filed May 1, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 8, 1941. 1 BRISSON 2.237550 BRAKE Filed May 1, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet T \NVENTOR= LOUIS BR\SSON av /W2 XTToRuEYs April 1941- L. BRISSON 2.237.650

BRAKE Filed May 1, 1939 9 Sheets-Sheet a .f I e .22.

n Y O \HVENTOR= ATTORNEYS Patented Apr. 8, 1941 Application May 1, 1939, Serial No. 270,974 In France August 12, 1938 13 Claims.

The present invention is adapted to center in neutral position, the shoes of brakes, mainly of brakes having self-applying shoes, in which the forces and reactions exerted during braking on some or on each of the shoes have a given fixed direction and converge, for each shoe, towards a point called pole of said shoe.

In brakes of this kind, the reaction exerted by the drum on each-shoe passes, of course, through the pole towards which converge all the forces and reactions to which the shoe is subjected, and it is tangent to a circle having for centre the centre of the drum and the radius p of which is given by the formula: p=s1 sin '1 in which (p1 is the friction angle and s1 the radius of the pressure circle, which is itself given by the formula:

In this Forumla 2, 1' designates the radius of the drum, and 2 'Y1 the angular opening of the lining carried by the shoe under consideration.

The intersection of the pressure circle and of the reaction exerted by the drum on the shoe gives the centre of pressure; the radius passing through the centre of pressure is the pressure axis, relatively to which the lining is symmetrically arranged. All these arrangments are well known.

On the other hand, various means have already been proposed for restoring and holding the shoes, apart from the braking periods, in a definite neutral position. The invention has for object a new device of this kind, which is adapted to provide that, in the above mentioned neutral position, the free space comprised between the lining and the drum has, as symmetry axis, the symmetry axis of the lining.

This result is theoretically obtained by spacing the shoe from the drum by a movement of translation parallel to the symmetry axis of the lining, which coincides with the pressure axis, as already indicated. However, it is not practically possible to effect the spacing of the shoes by a movement of translation, as, in this type of brake, the shoes are necessarily connected together, or to a fixed point, by connecting rods transmitting the stresses which impose curved paths to the movement of the shoes. The technical problem according to the invention therefore consists, in fact, in bringing the shoes by rotation, to a neutral position which corresponds, relativeIy to the drum, to that which might be obtained by a movement of translation.

The solution of this technical problem is based on the following remark: the shoe being spaced from the drum by a movement of translation parallel to the symmetry axis of the lining, and being thus brought to a position in which said symmetry axis of the lining is also the symmetry axis of the free space comprised between the lining and the drum, nothing will be changed, concerning the relative position of the shoe and of the drum, by a movement of rotation effected about the axis of the drum. Now, the composition of a translation and of a rotation is a rotation of angular amplitude equal to that of the component rotation, but about a different centre. Consequently, for bringing the shoe by rotation to the ideal neutral position above defined, it is necessary, according to the invention, to determine the centre of a resultant'rotation, consistent with the connections of the shoe, and to guide said shoe so that it rotatively moves about said centre.

The accompanying drawings, illustrate, by way of example only, some forms of carrying the invention into practice.

Fig. l is a diagram of a brake composed of a drum and a shoe, the shoe being in braking position.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the same brake, the shoe having been subjected to a radial movement of translation towards the centre of the drum.

Fig. 3,.is a diagram of the same brake, the shoe having been subjected, in addition to a radial movement of translation towards the centre of the drum, to a movement of rotation about the centre of the drum.

Fig. 4 is a diagram of the same brake, in the same position as Fig. 3, but showing a means for determining the centre of the resultant rotation.

Fig. 5 is a diagram similar to that of Fig. 4, but showing another means for determining the centre of the resultant rotation.

Fig. 6 is a diagram of a first means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 7 is a diagram of a second means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 8 is a diagram of a third means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 9 is a diagram of a fourth means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 10 is a diagram of a fifth means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 11 is a diagram of a sixth means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 12 is a diagram of a seventh means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 13 is a diagram of an eighth means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 14 is a diagram of a ninth means for guiding the shoe.

Fig. 15 shows a first form of construction of a brake according to the invention.

Fig. 16 shows a second form of construction of a brake according to the invention.

Fig. 17 shows a third form of construction of a brake according to the invention.

Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the composition of two movements of rotation.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the man ner in which the product of two movements of rotation is obtained.

Fig. 20 is a diagram for determining the centres of the component rotations.

Fig. 21 is another diagram for determining the centres of the component rotations.

Fig. 22 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 23 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 24 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a brake shoe I in contact with the drum 2, the centre of which is at 3; none of the connections which allow of applying the shoe I against the inner surface of the drum 2, and

which absorb the reactions exerted by the bralcing on said shoe, have, intentionally, been illustrated. In fact, it is a question, for the moment, of explaining by what means the invention ensures the centering of the shoe in neutral position.

In Fig. 2, the shoe is illustrated at I in the same position as in Fig. 1, whereas at I the shoe is shown as being disengaged from the drum by a movement of translation 25 effected parallel to the symmetry axis AB of said shoe. It is then obvious that said symmetry axis AB of the shoe is also the symmetry axis of the space comprised between the shoe in its position I and the drum 2.

It will be noted that the centre of the outer cylindrical surface of the shoe, which coincided at 3 with the center of the drum when the shoe was in the position I is located at 3', at a distance t from 3 when the shoe has come to I Fig. 3 shows at l the shoe in the same position as that of Fig. 2, whereas at I the shoe is illustrated after a movement of rotation through an angle at about the centre 3 of the drum 2. The symmetry axis of the shoe has thus come to AB, but it can be seen that the position I of the shoe, relatively to the drum 2 which is cylindrical, is exactly the same as the position I. Consequently, the axis A B is also the symmetry axis of the space comprised between the shoe in the position I and the drum 2.

Now, it is well known that the composition of a translation t and of a rotation on is another rotation, of an amplitude equal to a, but taking place about another centre.

The classical construction of this centre is shown in Fig. 4. In the known manner, the translation 1. is replaced by two symmetries having axes perpendicular to the direction of the translation, the axis of the second symmetry passing through the centre 3 of the component rotation; in these conditions, the first symmetry has for axis CD and the second has for axis E-F, both these axes being at the distance Lil Then, the rotation at is replaced, in the known manner, by two symmetries, one having an axis E-F, the other an axis GI-I, inclined according to the angle sale relatively to EF, and which encounters CD at K. The point K is the centre of the resultant rotation.

Fig. 5 shows another form of construction, utilisable when the tracing of the positions I and I has been eifected.

Any point L has the two positions L and L; any other point M has the two positions M and M. It then suflices to draw the lines PQ perpendicular to the straight line L and RS perpendicular to the straight line M ---M for obtaining the point K at their intersection.

The invention consists, in the first place, in guiding the shoe I so that the movement which brings it from its working position to its neutral position is a rotation about the point K, this guiding taking place by means which, during braking, do not exert appreciable interfering reactions on the shoe. In fact, it will be remembered that the stresses and reactions to which said shoe is subjected must have definite directions, so that the shoe cannot possibly be pivoted directly on a fixed axis, as then, neither the intensity, nor the direction of the reaction due to said axis would be definite; the invention solves the problem by limiting the intensity of the reaction, through the medium, for instance, of one or the other of the following means:

1. When the centre of the resulting reaction is accessible, it serves as free pivotal axis for the end of a friction connection of variable length, and for instance for the free end of a branch of a compass, the other branch of which is frictionally pivoted on the shoe, the pivotal joint of both branches of the compass being also a frictional joint. This connection is in all points similar to directly pivoting the shoe on its centre of resultant rotation, as long as the stresses which are exerted on said shoe remain sufiiciently small so as not to overcome the friction, for instance, the friction of the pivotal joints; the centering in neutral position is therefore perfectly ensured. But as soon as the stresses exerted on the shoe become great, which takes place during braking, the frictions become negligible, relatively to said stresses, and consequently, the centering connection introduces no perturbation in the braking.

2. Use can also be made of two friction connections, and for instance two compasses having frictionally pivoted branches, for connecting two different points of the shoe to the axis of the resultant rotation, and in this case, either the pivotal joints of the branches on the shoe, or the pivotal joints of the branches themselves, need not be frictional joints.

3. When the axis of resultant rotation is not accessible, use can also be made of these two friction connections, such as compasses, but then the second branch of each of them which can no longer be pivoted on the axis of the resultant rotation, is pivoted on a fixed axis arranged on the straight line which joins the axis of resultant rotation to the second free pivotal joint of the compass, which is, according to the type adopted, either the pivotal axis of the first branch on the shoe, or the pivotal axis of both branches on each other.

4. When the shoe is already connected by a link to a fixed point, if the axis of resultant rotation does not coincide with this point, it is necessarily located on the extension of the link, and it then sufiices to use only one of the compasses mentioned in the above paragraphs 2 or 3.

When the brake shoes are entirely floating and thus operate in a symmetrical manner when running forward or when reversing, it is obvious that, for each shoe, the axes of resultant rotation are not the same in both directions of running. It is consequently evident that the centering, correctly obtained when running forward according to the principles previously set forth, is not correct in the case of reversing; it would be reestablished as soon as the first braking when running forward is effected, but the invention however provides a means for avoiding this momentary inconvenience. This means is characterised by the combination of the two following arrangements (a) The pivotal axes of the ends of the branches of the compasses are arranged, when it is possible to do so, on the straight line passing through both centres of the resultant rotation of the shoe under consideration, for forward running and for reversing;

(b) When it is impossible to do so, the axes which ought to be secured on the cheek member are each mounted on a movable support (for instance, a pivoting support) which is locked when braking takes place when running forward, and which is released when braking during reversing, so that during said braking when reversing, the compasses are practically subjected to no stress tending to open or to close them.

Although the invention mainly relates to brakes provided with self-applying shoes, in which the stresses and reactions exerted during braln'ng on some or on each of the shoes have a definite fixed direction and converge, for each shoe, towards a point called pole of said shoe, without departing from the invention, the means forming the subject-matter of the same can be applied to brakes to which the preceding definition does not apply.

For instance self-applying brakes having two floating shoes exist in which the opening force of the shoes and the abutting reaction of said shoes are not directed in a rigorously fixed manner; the invention nevertheless applies to these brakes and in this case comprises certain simplifications. Thus, it sufiices to ensure the centering of a single shoe, and in addition, it suflices, for said shoe, to guide a single one ofits points.

The invention can even be applied to brakes which are not self-applying brakes; in this case, the friction connections of variable length previously described will be replaced by connections of fixed length.

In the example of Fig. 6, use has been made of a compass the branches 4 and 5 of which are frictionally pivoted at 6. The free end of branch 5 is frictionally pivoted at 1 on the shoe 1, whereas the free end of branch 4 is freely pivoted on the fixed axis 8 which is located at the exact place of the point K, centre of the resultant rotation of the shoe. The friction pivotal joints are illustrated by a single small circle, the free pivotal joints by two concentric circles.

In these conditions, when the stresses exerted on the shoe are not very great (which is the case when the shoe leaves its working position to assume its neutral position) the connection 4--5--6'l acts as a rigid unit with the shoe I, and this unit rotates without distortion about the axis 8, for moving from the working position l to the neutral position I, which is then the correct position. On the contrary, during braking when the stresses are great, it is obvious that the frictions at 6 and 'l are easily overcome by said stresses without introducing any prejudicial reaction.

It is to be mentioned here that the compass 4-56 might be replaced by any other device, freely pivoted at B and frictionally pivoted at l, the length of which can vary under the action of stresses sumciently great for overcoming an internal resistance, such as a friction.

In the example of Fig. 7, use has been made of two compasses 4= -5 li and 4 -5 --l5 identical to the preceding one and respectively connecting the points I and I to the axis 8; but then the pivotal joints l and l need not be friction joints; therefore, free pivotal joints have been illustrated here at I and l In fact, the points and 8 form the apices of a triangle and this triangle is only distortable under the action of stresses suflicient for overcoming the frictions at 6* and 6 which determine the length of the sides 1 -B and 'I -8.

If the centre 8 is not accessible, or for any other reason, according to the invention, the free ends of the branches 4* and 4 can be pivoted, not on the point 8, but on any points 9 and 9 taken on the straight lines which respectively join the points l and 7* to the centre 8. This is what is illustrated in Fig. 8. In fact, it will be seen that the quadrilateral having for apices the points 1 9 -l 9 comprises a fixed side S -9 and a movable opposite side l i which is no other than the shoe l. Therefore, it is known that the instantaneous centre of rotation of the movable side l -1 (shoe I) is the point of intersection of the sides l -4 and U -9' which, by construction, is point 8. It is true that this instantaneous centre of rotation moves at every instant during the rotation of the shoe; but the amplitude at of said rotation is sufliciently small for said movement to -be considered as negligible in practice, and for everything to take place as if the shoe i really rotated about the virtual axis 3 when it passes from its neutral position to its working position and vice versa.

This remark is of very great interest, because it allows of rendering the centering connection according to the invention, consistent with the connections necessitated by the operation of the shoe during braking. In Fig. 9, for instance, the shoe I is connected to a fixed point II] by a link ll pivoted at H] and at l2.

It is then necessary to use said link as one of the sides of the pivoted quadrilateral described with reference to Fig. 8, and, for that purpose, the centre of resultant rotation must be chosen on the extension ofsaid link, which is always possible. In fact, the desired component translation is given by hypothesis (Fig. 2) and it is then known (Fig.4) that the locus of the centre of resultant rotation K is a straight line CD, at right angles to the symmetry axis AB of the shoe in working position. Consequently, the axis K can be chosen at any desired place on said straight line CD; alone the angle of the component rotation, which angle is of no importance (Fig. 3), will vary. Consequently, in the case of Fig. 9, the point K (virtual axis 8) will be located at the intersection of the axis CD and the extension of the link ll; then the compass 4**-5**---li will be mounted between the points I and 9 such that the straight line I -9 passes through the point 8. Everything will then take place as explained with reference to Fig. 8, as if the shoe I rotated about the virtual axis 8 when passing from its working position to its neutral position and vice versa. Furthermore, for still improving the result obtained, instead of choosing the point 8 at the intersection of the axis CD and the extension of the link II in Working position, it can be chosen at the intersection of CD and the extension of the link I I in mean position, mid-way between the neutral position and the working position.

In the device of Fig. 7, as shown in Fig. 10, the pivotal joints 6 and 6 might also be rendered free and on the contrary the pivotal joints I and l might be frictionally mounted. Nothing would then be changed in the operation, as the quadrilateral I 'I 6 6 would be rendered undistortable (except under the action of important stresses); consequently, the side B -6 of the triangle 86*-I5 would also be undistortable, and the whole would therefore rotate as a block about the axis 8.

In the device of Fig. 8, in the same manner, the pivotal joints Ii and 6 (or only one of them) might also be rendered free, and on the contrary the pivotal joints I and l (or only one of them, I or 'I, if only one pivotal joint Ii or 6 respectively, is rendered free), might be frictionally mounted. Fig. 11 shows the case in which both pivotal joints 6 '-6 are rendered free and both pivotal joints I i frictionally mounted, whereas Fig. 12 shows the case in which the pivotal joint I only is rendered free, the pivotal joint I being frictionally mounted, and Fig. 13 shows the case in which the pivotal joint 6* only is rendered free, the pivotal joint I being frictionally mounted.

In Fig. 11, owing to the friction at I and 1 the points 6* and 6 can be considered as belonging to the shoe I, it is therefore necessary that the extended straight lines 4 and 4 converge towards point 8. In Fig. 12, the straight line I passes through the point 8, whereas in Fig. 13 it is the straight line 4 In the device of Fig. 9, as shown in Fig. 14, the compass can also be replaced by another having the pivotal joint B free and the pivotal joint I frictionally mounted, the extension of branch 4 passing through point 8.

The example of Fig. 15 relates to a brake similar to that described in the U. S. A. Patent No. 2,131,369 dated September 2'7, 1938, concerning the braking system proper, but obviously different as regards the method of centering.

The brake illustrated is constituted by the brake drum 2 and by three shoes I5, I6 and II. The shoes I5 and I6 are connected by a link I8 pivoted at I9 on the shoe I5 and at on the shoe I6. The latter is pivoted at 2| on another link 22 itself pivoted on a fixed axis 23.

Another link 24 is also pivoted on said fixed axis 23, and pivots at 25 on the shoe II, which carries at I! the body of the device for spacing the shoes, which is here, for instance, a hydraulic device, and the piston I'I of which presses against the end of the shoe I5 through a plane face.

The direction of rotation for forward running is indicated by the arrow 1.

It is known that, in brakes of this type, the forces and reactions exerted oneach shoe are set and converge towards a point called pole of the shoe. For the shoe I5, the opening stress is directed according to the arrow 20 and the reac- 75 tion due to the link according to the arrows 25*, so that the reaction due to braking passes through the pole which is at the point of convergence of 26 and 26 and is tangent to a circle 21 having a radius p=8 sin an, S1 being the radius of the pressure circle, and 1 the friction coeflicient. For calculating s1 use is made of the formula:

:s 4 sin 7 $iI1 271+2Y1 in which r is the radius of the drum, and (2 1) the angular opening of the friction lining 28 carried by the shoe I5.

This braking reaction can then be traced according to the line 21, which encounters at 30 the pressure circle having a radius 81. The line which joins the centre 3 of the drum to the centre 30 is the pressure axis, and the lining 28 is symmetrically arranged relatively to said axis, which acts, for the shoe I5, as the symmetry axis AB of Fig. 2.

For the shoe I6, in the same manner the pressure axis (and symmetry axis of the lining 3|) is found, passing through the centre of pressure 32; and for shoe II, the pressure axis (and symmetry axis of the lining 33) passing through the centre of pressur 34.

All these arrangements are known.

But, according to the invention, each of the shoes is guided in the manner previously described, during its movement from the working position to neutral position. For instance, for the shoe I6, the translation t1 which was considered in Fig. 2 is fixed beforehand; on the axis of pressure 3-32 is traced the length in accordance with what has been explained for Figs. 4 and 9, and the straight line 35 is drawn at right angles to the axis 332. Then the stroke of the axis 2I is determined, which is very easy; in fact, it is known that this axis moves on a circle 38 having a fixed centre 23 and a fixed radius 22, which gives a first locus of the axis 2I in neutral position. On the other hand, the distance 3-2I' can easily be determined after the shoe I6 has eifected the translation t1, so that with an opening of the compass equal to this distance which has just been found, and with 3 as centre, the position 2I" of 2| is easily determined, when the shoe is in neutral position, on the circle 36. The perpendicular 31 is dropped at the middle of 2I2I", according to what has been explained concerning Fig, 5, and at the intersection 38 with the straight line 35 is found the centre of resultant rotation of shoe I0.

The position 20" of the axis 20 is now determined in neutral position, for that purpose, the distance 3-20 is determined (20 being the position of 20 after the translation in which gives a first locus formed by the circle 39 having a radius 3-20 and a centre 3. A second locus is formed by the circle having a center 2| and a radius 20-2I. Then the point 28" is easily found and through the middle of 20-20" the perpendicular 40 is traced which necessarily passes through the centre 38 and on which a fixed axis 4| is chosen for the compass 4243, the branches of which are frictionally pivoted on each other at 44, whereas the branch the branch 42 is freely pivoted at 4| and the branch 43 is freely pivoted on the axis 20 of the shoe.

Thus, the shoe I6 is guided in the manner illustrated in Fig. 9.

For the shoe l5, the following method of'procedure is adopted. The half-translation is traced on the pressure axis 3-30, and the line 45 is drawn at right angles to the pressure axis. Then the position I9" of the axis I9 is determined when the shoe I is in neutral position. For that purpose, it will be noted that the distance 2iI"-I9" is equal to the length of the link I3, which gives a first locus formed by the circle 45 having a center 29" and a radius equal to the link I9. A second locus is given by the circle 41! having a centre 3 and a radius equal to- 3-I9', I9 being the position of the axis I9 after the translation is parallel to the pressure axis, which can be easily traced. The point I9 being thus obtained, the line 48 is traced at right angles to Ill-4 9", which encounters at 49 the straight line 45. The point 49 is the centre of resultant rotation of the shoe I5.

On the straight line 48, a point 50 is chosen for freely pivoting thereon the end of the branch 5I of a compass, frictionally pivoted at 52 on the second branch 53, itself freely pivoted on the axis I9. Then an axis 54 is chosen beforehand, and the line 49-54 is traced on either side of which is drawn the angle ,8 having 49 for apex and the radius 349 (not shown) and the straight line 45 for sides. In accordance with what has been stated for Fig. 4, said angle is equal to a halfrotation of the shoe I5 about the axis of resultant rotation 49. Then an angle '1 is traced, chosen beforehand and greater than 3, having 54 for apex and the straight line 49-54 for side, this giving the length ofa first branch 55 of a compass, freely pivoted at 54; said branch 55 is also freely pivoted at 56 on the second branch 51, which is frictionally pivoted at 59 on the shoe I 5. It is then seen that this shoe is guided in the manner described concerning Fig. 12.

For the shoe II, a similar method of procedure is again adopted by tracing on the pressure axis, the half-translation then by drawing the line 59 at right angles to the pressure axis; the neutral position of the axis 25 is then traced, by the same processes as those employed for the axis 2I, and the perpendicular 69 is dropped at the middle of 25-45, which encounters the straight line 59 at the centre of pressure BI. BI is joined to 54, and on either side of said straight line is drawn the angle 5 having Iii for apex and the perpendicular 59 and straight line 36I for sides, said angle 5 illustrating (as explained by Fig. 4) the half-rotation of the shoe I'I. Then, at 54, and on either side of the straight line IiI--54, the angle 7 previously defined is drawn (which must also be greater than 6) this giving at 62 the position of the free pivotal joint of a compass one branch 53 of which is freely pivoted on 54, Whereas the other 64 is frictionally pivoted at 65 on the shoe II.

It is thus seen that said shoe II is guided in a manner similar to Fig. 14.

It will be noted that the rotations of the arms 63 and 55 are the same and equal to 2w by construction. These two arms might he therefore integral, but it would however be advantageous to use two separate arms, and frictionally couple them. i i

This arrangement is adapted to prevent any movement of the shoes in their neutral position. If, in fact, the arms 63 and 55 were not connected to each other, preferably by friction, each of the shoes I5 and I! could rotatively move about its instantaneous centre; both arms 63 and 55 being, on the contrary, connected, it results therefrom that any movement of the shoe I'I relatively to the drum (that is to say, a movement towards or away from said drum) results in a similar relative displacement of shoe I5, and vice versa.

Now, the spring prevents their mutual spacing apart, andthe device I'I prevents them moving towards each other, so that the shoes I5 and I! are therefore held stationary, and the shoe I5, retained by the link I9, cannot move either.

Preferably, the branch 5'! will be directed towards the pole of shoe I5, as illustrated, whereas the branch 54 will be directed towards the pole of shoe II. A returning spring is stretched between the shoes I5 and II, in the usual manner, but said spring can also act on the arms 63 and 55.

Instead of guiding the axes 29 and I9 as explained, the link I8 might be guided in the manner described by Fig. 6, by uniting it by a compass to its instantaneous axis of rotation which is located at 65, at the intersection of the straight lines 40 and 43.

In the example of Fig. 16, the shoes 69' and 5 I are connected by a link 52, and are entirely floating. But, in neutralposition, they both take a bearing on a cylindrical part 63'. In these conditions, it is evident that it suffices to hold one only of the shoes, and for instance'the shoe 69', stationary at the right place, in neutral position. For that purpose, its centre of resultant rotation 64' is determined in the manner previously de-- scribed, by noting that the direction of rotation of the drum for forward running, is that of the arrow 7. The centre of resultant rotation of the shoe Ii I for forward running, is therefore at 53. Any one of the points of the shoe, for instance 65', is then guided, through the medium of one of the means already described, such as a compassthe branches 66 and 61 of which are frictionally pivoted together, the branch 56 being freely pivoted on 65, and the branch 51 freely pivoted on the fixed axis 58.

It will be noted that for reverse running, the position of the centre of resultant rotation 64' changes and comes at 63, since when reversing the shoe B5 bears on 63' and pivots on said axis.

Asexplained, the correct centering for forward running would therefore not be correct for reverse running. For avoiding this inconvenience, the axis 59 can be rendered free when braking during reverse running. For that purpose, said axis is mounted on a lever 59 pivoted at 10, and provided with a lug II, pivoted at I2, which presses, in neutral position, against the cylindrical part 63 and is held thereon by the shoe 6 I It will be seen that when braking is effected when running forward, the lug II cannot move as it is held stationary by the shoe 6 I which presses against the part 63 through its intermediary. Therefore, the axis 58 is fixed. On the contrary, during reverse running, the lug II is released, and the axis 58 can move, so that during braking, the compass 6E5'I is not subjected to any stress tending to open or to close it. At the end of the braking during reverse running, the shoes will therefore return to their correct initial position.

In the example of Fig. 17, a brake has been illustrated having three floating shoes, established according to the principles previously set forth, and which it is unnecessary to recall. When running forward, the centre of resultant rotation of the shoe [8 is at H, that of shoe 12, is at 73, that of shoe T4 is at T5. But, during reverse running, the centre of resultant rotation of the shoe I is at 15' symmetrical to 75, relatively to the axis T--U, since the shoe 10 then acts as the shoe 14; the centre of resultant rotation of the shoe M is then at H, and that of the shoe 12 at 13'.

In these conditions, the shoes are guided in accordance with what has been previously stated; but it will be seen that the axes l8 and 1'! of the compass I8-19 relating to the shoe T0 are on the line II-15, so that the axis 76 can be fixed. Likewise, the axes 88 and BI of the compass 82-83 relating to the shoe 12 are on the line 13-13, so that the axis 88 can be fixed.

On the contrary; it has not been p e ,50 range the axes 84-85, 868'I, 88-89 of the other compasses on the lines joining the respective centers of resultant rotation in both directions of running. The axes 84, 86 and 88 have therefore been each mounted on a lever 98, SI and 92, these three levers being pivoted at 93 and held stationary by lugs such as 94 during braking when running forward, owing to the fact that the shoe 14 presses said lugs against the fixed casing 95 of the system for opening the shoes. On the contrary, during reverse running, the levers 989l92 are released.

The invention is applicable to brakes which are not self-applying brakes; in this case, the friction and variable length connections previously described would be replaced by fixed length connections. Brakes having multiple shoes would thus be obtained, in which the total pressure would be equally distributed on all the shoes, and, in each shoe, symmetrically distributed on either side of the symmetry axis of the lining.

Another means of guiding the shoe will now be described; this means consists in obtaining the resultant rotation (that which results from the composition of a translation parallel to the symmetry axis of the lining and a rotation about the axis of the drum) by the composition of at least two rotations.

The advantage of this means is particularly important in the case of self-applying brakes having two shoes the outlet shoe of which (the last which is encountered when leaving the spacing system and by movin in the direction of the rotation) presses, during braking, on a fixed axis;

as this axis can then constitute the axis of a first rotation for the inlet shoe, which it then sufiices to rotatively guide about a point, real or fictitious, belonging to the outlet shoe. It is moreover possible to cause the axis of the second component rotation to converge towards the symmetry axis For instance, in Fig. 18, the point M2 is symmetrical to the point M1 relatively to the straight line D1 passing through 0; the point 1% is symmetrical to the point M2 relatively to the straight line D2 passing through 0. The straight lines Di and D2 forming between them the angle it is obvious that M1 comes to M3 by a rotation through an angle a about 0. Reversely, a rotation through an angle 0: about 0 can be replaced by two symmetries, the axes D1 and D2 of which can be of any kind whatever, provided they pass through 0 and that they form between them the angle For effecting the product of two rotations (Fig. 19) about two axes O1 and 02, as axis of the second component symmetry of the rotation about 01 and as axis of the first component symmetry of the rotation about 02, is chosen the straight line 0102.

The straight line D1 is traced, passing through 01 and forming with the straight line D2, passing through 01 and 02, an angle equal to half the angle a of the rotation about 01, said angle being drawn in reverse direction to said rotation, since D2 is the axis of the second component symmetry of the rotation about 01. Then the straight line D3 is traced passing through 02 and forming with the straight line D2 an angle equal to half the angle 5 of the rotation about 02, said angle being drawn in the same direction as said rotation, since D2 is the axis of the first component symmetry of the rotation about 02. The straight lines D1 and D3 meet at 0, this point being the centre of the resultant rotation, the amplitude of which is equal or double the angle D1OD3, that is to say (oz-I-fl).

It will be immediately seen that, for constructin the triangle OO1-O2, it sufiiccs to know three of its elements, which are six in number, viz.: the position of each of its sides, and the size of each angle. As will be seen later n, the brake constructor will therefore be free to choose at will, three of his elements; but the remainder of the brake will be determined by this choice made beforehand.

In the example of Fig. 20, is diagrammatically shown a brake having two shoes [ill and I82, one of which I82 is pivoted at 188 whereas the other IDI must be capable of being considered, during the movement from neutral position to braking position, and reversely, as being pivoted on the preceding one at a point which is to be determined, by assuming beforehand that the point I04 constitutes the virtual centre of rotation of the shoe IUI, is known as well as the amplitude w of said rotation.

The amplitude at of the rotation of the shoe I02 is also given, and thus three elements of the triangle O- O1--Oz of Fig. 2 are known. In fact, the axis I03 corresponds to the point 01 of Fig. 2, the virtual axis I04 corresponds to the point and it will thus be seen that the size and position of the side 001 is known, and the angles at O1 and at 0. It is now very easy to determine the position of the axis I05, corresponding to the point 02, by constructing the triangle.

For that purpose, the axes I03 and I 04 are joined by a straight line; said straight line corresponds to the straight line D1 of Fig. 2. At I03 an angle is traced which allows of drawing the straight line D2; finally at I04, an angle will be noted that according to Hookes law the maximum point of pressure of the lining of the shoe I02 is that the radial displacement of which is greater for a given angle of rotation of the shoe; consequently, said point will be on the perpendicular I06 dropped to the centre I01 of the drum on the radius I08 passing through the axis I03. -This perpendicular I06 will also be the pressure axis, relatively to which the lining of the shoe I02 will be symmetrically arranged, L

according to an angular opening determined by the usual considerations of the art, and which form no part of the invention. The shoe initially assumed to be in contact with the drum I00, is caused to rotate through the angle a.

Said angle is so chosen, relatively to the angle to, that the centre of the friction surface of the shoe I02 moves away from the centre I01 of the drum I09, in neutral position to a distance approximately equal to that according to which the centre moves away from the friction surface of the shoe IOI. In neutral position, the centre of the friction surface of the shoe I02 comes to H0, whereas the centre of the friction surface of the shoe IIII comes to III; and the distances I0'I'I I0 and I0I-III are approximately equal.

After its rotation or towards its neutral position, the shoe I02 has come to I02, and it is to this position I02 that the point I previously found corresponds. Said point, in the working position of the shoe I02, comes to I05 after a rotation through an angle or about I03.

If it was assumed that the shoe IOI was rigidly connected to the shoe I02, it would have rotated with the latter through an angle a. The point I I2, for instance, will have come to H2 and the point II3 to 3'. Then, effecting about I05 a rotation ,B=w-oe, the shoe IOI would come to II'II'; the point 2' would then be at H2", and the point 3' at H3". It is obvious that this double rotation of the shoe IOI, first of a about I03, then of {3 about I05, gives exactly the same result as a rotation of to about I04. 7

Of course, other initial elements can be chosen for determining the triangle O -O1-O2 of Fig. 19; more particularly the position of the point 02 can be fixed on the axis of the brake, that is to say, on the diameter at right angles to the line of action of the device for spacing the shoes. In this case, the brake can be devised in a practically symmetrical manner, and its operation will be identical both for forward running and for reverse.

The theoretical tracing of such a brake has been effected in Fig. 21, in which the point 02 is placed on the axis of the brake, it being admitted that in said brake the stresses which are exerted on the shoe IOI, which is to be guided according to the invention, are directed at right angles to said axis.

In this case, the reaction exerted by the drum of the shoe is, of course, parallel to the other forces, and consequently, at right angles to the axis A--A of the brake; and it is known from the prior art, now well known, that this reaction is tangent to a circle having for centre the centre of the drum and the radius p of which is given by the formula: p :31 sin 1 in which (p1 is the friction angle and S1 the radius of the pressure circle, itself given by the formula:

1 sin 71+2'y in which 1 designates the radius of the drum and 2 1 the angular opening of the lining carried by the shoe, which is given beforehand.

In this example of Fig. 21, the point I05 (corresponding to 02) has been arranged on the axis A-A in a position fixed beforehand, and the position of the point I04 has also been chosen beforehand on the straight line H4 at right angles to the straight line II2 which is the direction of the pressure axis of the shoe IOI. The distance III'I-I I4 is equal, as explained above, to the component half-translation which is to be imparted to the shoe ml. The side D3 is therefore traced. The angle in of rotation of the shoe IOI about I04 being determined and equal to twice the angle I0'I-I 04--I I4, the direction of the side D1 can be traced; and on this side, the point I03 is so chosen that the angle formed between the sides D1 and D2 corresponds to the desirable value in order that the shoes IM and I02 should be symmetrically arranged in the neutral position.

It will be seen that in such a brake the operation during reverse running (the direction of forward running being indicated by the arrow 1) remains practically the same as for forward running.

In all cases, once the point I05 of shoe I02 about which shoe IOI must be rotatively guided, and all the elements of the various component and resultant rotations are determined, the technical problem remaining to be solved consists in ensuring the rotational guiding of the shoe IOI about the axis I05 of shoe I02 (axis which can be real or virtual) by means which are not inconsistent with the connections causing both shoes to cooperate during braking, and which include a link connected to both these shoes.

In the example of Fig. 22, which corresponds to the diagram of Fig. 21 in which the axis I05 is, in neutral position, located on the symmetry axis of the brake, the solution of the above mentioned problem consists in causing the pivotal point of the link on one of the shoes to coincide with I05, and to obtain with sufl'lcient friction the pivoting of the same link on the other shoe. Of-course,

the same solution can be adopted in other cases, in which the axis I05 would not be located on the symmetry axis of the brake. In this example, the shoes IOI and I02 are illustrated as being connected to each other by a link H5 freely pivoted at I05 on shoe WI and frictionally pivoted at H6 on shoe I02. Consequently, except during the braking periods when the friction at H3 is practically negligible, both shoes IOI and I32 can be considered as being pivoted to each other at I05. In neutral position, the shoe I! is pressed, under the action of a spring II'I, by a circular surface H8 having its centre at I03 on a fixed bearing H9 having the same centre I03 and likewise, in neutral position, the shoe I02 is pressed, under the action of a spring I20, by a circular surface I2I having its centre at I03, on a fixed bearing I22 having the same centre I03. A spring I23 cooperates with the springs Ill and I20. The usual spacing device is illustrated at I24; as usual, it exerts upon braking, a thrust on the inlet shoe, and forms abutment for the outlet shoe, at the same time as the bearing H0 or I22, according to the direction of rotation.

For allowing the play to be taken up, the link I I is formed in two parts which screw one in the other; the part I I5 is the screw and the part I lfi the nut. For the sake of symmetry, the shoe IIlI terminates in a screw I 25 on which is screwed the nut I26, and the pivotal joint I 35 is obtained between the two nuts H5 and I23. These two nuts are peripherally toothed so as to mesh with a common wheel I21 which ensures their adjustment, the screws H5 and I25 having obviously equal pitches, but of reverse direction. The pivotal joint, of course, is floating, that is to say it is not mounted on a fixed part.

In the example of Fig. 23, a brake has been shown of known type composed of two shoes IOI and I02 connected together by a link I20. These shoes are, at their free end, provided with openings I29 I30 which respectively fit over two axes I3I-I32 forming fixed abutments, a spring (not shown) always maintaining the shoes in contact with these abutments.

The direction of rotation when running forward is assumed to be in the direction of the arrow f. It is known that the maximum displacements take place on the pressure axes according to a distance equal to the play in addition to the resiliency.

The pressure axis of the floating shoe Ilil, is determined as follows:

1. Trace the circle having a radius S1 sin (pl 2. Trace a. tangent to the circle S1 sin (pi which passes through the pole (for the case in question, the pole is infinity; said tangent is there-fore parallel to the link I28) 3. The intersection of said tangent with the circle having a radius S1 will give the centre of pressure I1, and consequently, the pressure axis will be the straight line which connects I01 to I1.

For determining the pressure axis of the shoe I32, it will be noted that in accordance with Hookes law (the maximum pressure taking place at the point where the displacement is maximum), the centre of pressure I2 will be on a straight line at right angles to the straight line I0'l-I32, this perpendicular line will be at the same time the pressure axis.

It will first of all be assumed that the whole arrangement of the shoes will be caused to efiect a rotation about the axis I32 so that the shoe I02 comes in contact with the drum.

The pivotal point I33 of the link I28 will come to I33, the point I34 to I34, and the point I35 to I35. The point I33 can then be considered as being fixed. By now moving the shoe lGI to bring it in its turn in contact with the drum,

the point I34 will come to I34" the point I35 will come to I35 by noting that the distance I34--I35' is the same as I34-l35. Therefore, the intersection of the perpendicular dropped to the middle I34'-I34 and of the perpendicular dropped to the middle of I35'-I35 will give the mean instantaneous centre of rotation I33 sought for, for the shoe IOI.

Upon opening the shoes, the shoe I3I moves away from the axis I3I. Two rotations can then take place, simultaneously or not; the first about the axis I32, considered as fixed point, the second about the point I36.

The rotation about the point I3I gives rise to no difiic'ulty; but for allowing the rotation about the point I36, this point I36 can either be materialized and connected by a link to the shoe IOI, or it can be rendered virtual by means. or two links I37 and E38 frictionally pivoted at I39, and provided that the straight line I4@--I4I passes through the point I36.

It is to be noted that once the shoe is in the position of rest, the unit forms a system having complete connections and consequently no displacement of the shoes. is possible; they therefore remain centered in the middle of the drum.

The friction pivotal joint I39 ensures the automatic adjustment of the length of the link i4 2- I4I at the first pull of the brakes.

For allowing braking in reverse drive. the pivotal joint MI is mounted on a lever H12 pivoted at I43 on the shoe I02, but retained, in neutral position of said shoe, between the axis I32 and an abutment I44 of the shoe I02. When braking during reverse running, the shoe I32 disengages from its axis I32; the lever I32 can then rock about its axis I43; the system becomes fioating, and the segments or shoes place themselves in the drums as if the centering system no longer existed. It is obvious that, in neutral position, the lever I42 again becomes fixed, and that the brake is again centered.

It will be noted that, in practice, the angles 0: and 13 are very small; consequently, the points 0, 01 and 02 can be considered as being in a straight line, since the angle 0 of the triangle 0U1-El2 is practically a flat angle (180). The invention includes of course, in its scope all the embodiments in which the floating shoe or shoes (for the direction of movement considered) are rotatively guided by means which have been described (rotation of a shoe about a fixed point, and of the floating shoe about a point of the preceding one) about an axis which approximately coincides with the centre of rotation theroetically determined for said floating shoe.

Another improvement (Fig. 24) consists in the fact that, in the brake according to Fig. 15, the pivotal axis 20 of the link I8 could be arranged in such a manner that the straight line 3820 passes through the point 49 (or in the vicinity of this point). In this case, the links 43 and 42 could be done away with, by adding friction to the pivotal joint I9, by rendering the pivotal joint 52 free, and by locating the pivot 50 on ihc straight line 49-52.

Finally, it is noted that if the arrangements described are those which give the best results, they can however be appreciably departed from without leaving the scope of the invention, whilst obtaining results still superior to those given by known devices. Theoretically, as explained, the centres of resultant rotation are chosen on a perpendicular to the pressure axis, drawn at a distance from the centre equal tothe half-translation to be imparted to the shoe; this distance being small the angle formed by the pressure axis and the straight line which joins the center of the resultant rotation and the centre of the drum is very near 90. This angle is equal to 909115, the quantity 6 being small. Practice shows that still better results. are obtained than those of the devices priorly known, if the quantity 6 is. no longer very small; the value can even be reached, 2v being the angular opening of the shoe considered counted in degrees. H

centre of resultant rotation of said shoeand the centre of the drum would be comprised between What I claim as my invention and desire to sccure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a brake, a drum, a shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a bearing member, a link pivoted on said bearing member and on the shoe for exerting on the latter, in Working position, a reaction of definite direction, a guiding pivot, a

and

first arm pivoted on said pivot, a second arm pivoted on the shoe, and a friction joint connecting both arms so as to determine, in cooperation with the link, the path of the shoe between its two positions.

2. In a brake, a drum, a shoe having a working are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a bearing member, a link pivoted on said bearing member and on the shoe for exerting on the latter, in working position, a reaction of definite direction, a guiding pivot, a first arm pivoted on said pivot, a second arm pivoted on the first arm, and a friction joint connecting the second arm to the shoe so as to determine, in cooperation with the link, the path of the shoe between its two positions.

3. In a brake, a drum, a first shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, 2. second shoe having a Working position in which it is in contact with the drum and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link pivoted on each of the shoes for transmitting from one to the other of these shoes in working position, a reaction of definite direction, a first pivot, a first arm pivoted on said pivot, a second arm pivoted on the preceding one, a friction joint for connecting the second arm to the second shoe, a second pivot, a third arm pivoted on said second pivot, a fourth arm pivoted on the shoe, and a friction joint for connecting the third and the fourth arms together.

4. In a brake, a drum, a first shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a bearing member, a link pivoted on said bearing member and on the shoe for exerting on the latter, in working position a reaction of definite direction, a second shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle, and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said arc passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link pivoted on each of said shoes for transmitting from one of said shoes to the other, in working position a reaction of definite direction, a first pivot, a first arm pivoted on said pivot, a second arm pivoted on the preceding one, a friction joint for connecting the second arm to the second shoe, a second pivot, a third arm pivoted on said second pivot, a fourth arm pivoted on the shoe, and a friction joint for connecting the third and the fourth arms together.

5. Ina brake, a drum, a first shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a bearing member, a link pivoted on said bearing member and on the shoe for exerting on the latter, in working position, a reaction of definite direction, a second shoe having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle, and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link pivoted on each of said shoes for transmitting from one of said shoes to the other, in working position a reaction of definite direction, a first pivot, a lever having two branches pivoted on said pivot, an arm pivoted at the end of the first branch of the lever, a friction joint for connecting the arm to the second shoe, guiding means of limited reaction for another point of said second shoe, a third shoe, a link pivoted on the bearing member and on said third shoe, a second arm pivoted to the second end of the lever, and a friction joint for connecting the second arm to the third shoe,

6. In a brake, a drum, two shoes, a link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, guiding means of limited reaction for one of the shoes, means, controlled by the other shoe, for putting out of action said guiding means when the drum is braked in a certain direction of rotation.

7. In a brake, a drum, two shoes, a link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, a compass having two branches irictionally pivoted on each other, a pivotal joint for connecting one of the branches to the first shoe, a lever, a pivot for said lever, a pivotal joint for connecting the second branch of the compass to the lever, and means for holding the lever stationary, controlled by the second shoe, said means being so arranged as to release the lever when the second shoe is moved by the spacing device.

8. In a brake, a drum, two shoes, 9. link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, a compass having two branches frictionally pivoted to each other, a pivotal joint for connecting one of the branches to the first shoe, a lever, a pivot for said lever arranged on the second shoe, a pivotal joint for connecting the second branch of the compass to the lever, and means controlled by the second shoe for preventing the pivot-a1 movement of the lever, said means being so arranged as to release the lever when the second shoe is moved by the spacing device.

9. In a brake, a drum, a plurality of shoes, links for connecting the adjacent ends of said shoes,-spacing means arranged between the adjacent ends of the first and of the last shoes, guiding means of limited reaction for each of the shoes, and means controlled by the last shoe for rendering said guiding means inoperative when the last shoe is moved by the spacing means.

10. In a brake, a drum, two shoes each respectively having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a spacing device arranged between the adjacent ends of both shoes, a link arranged between the other adjacent ends of both shoes, a pivotal joint for connecting the link to the first shoe, a friction joint for connecting the link to the second shoe, the free pivotal joint being placed so that the geometrical line passing through its centre and through the centre of the drum is perpendicular to the direction of the forces exerted by the spacing device.

11. In a brake, a drum, two shoes each respectively having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, a compass having two branches frictionally pivoted on each other, a pivotal joint for connecting one of the branches to the first shoe, a lever, a pivot for said lever, a pivotal joint for connecting the second branch of the compass to the lever, and means for holding the lever stationary, controlled by the second shoe, said means being so arranged as to release the lever when the second shoe is moved by the spacing device.

12. In a brake, a drum, two shoes each respectively having a Working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said are passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, a compass having two branches frictional-1y pivoted to each other, a pivotal joint for connecting one of the branches to the first shoe, a lever, a pivot for said lever arranged on the second shoe, a pivotal joint for connecting the second branch of the compass to the lever, and means controlled by the second shoe for preventing the pivotal movement of the lever, said means being so arranged as to release the lever when the second shoe is moved by the spacing device.

13. In a brake, a drum, two shoes each respectively having a working position in which it is in contact with the drum according to an arc of circle and a neutral position distant from said drum, in which the direction of the geometrical axis of symmetry of said arc passes in the vicinity of the geometrical centre of the drum, a link for connecting two adjacent ends of said shoes, spacing means arranged between the other adjacent ends of said shoes, guiding means of limited reaction for one of the shoes, means, controlled by the other shoe, for putting out of action said guiding means when the drum is braked in a certain direction of rotation.

LOUIS BRISSON. 

